The Black and White

by Kaylie Martell  

Throughout the day on March 26, 2026, students in physical education/health classes participated in the Army Fitness Challenge, an event that tested each student’s endurance and strength. The event is part of a nationwide program that has the main goal of encouraging students to live healthier lifestyles. During the challenge, students were divided into three main groups, with two subgroup-teams within each one. They rotated through 3 main stations that featured exercises similar to those performed by members of the U.S. Army. 

At one station, students competed in a wheelbarrow relay race, where partners alternated carrying each other a few feet forward. Teams raced against one another, and the duo with the fastest time won. Another station featured a kettlebell relay race, testing both their strength and speed. The third station challenged students with a full workout. They were instructed to bear-crawl to the middle of the gym, complete 10 push-ups, run to the other end of the gym, do 10 burpees, and lastly spring back to the beginning – the opposite end of the gymnasium. 

After rotating through all 3 main stations, the teams gathered all together for a deadlift competition. Those who chose to participate lifted hex bars with 20 pounds on each side. Two competitors went at a time, completing as many repetitions as possible. The team with the highest total number of reps earned free shirts! 

Captain Brandon Fernando explained that one of his main reasons for visiting high schools is to break stereotypes about the Army. He shared that many people assume that soldiers are “big, macho, and scary”, but made the correction that they are actually regular people, just like the students. By visiting schools, he hopes to show the many opportunities that are available, explaining that soldiers can have ordinary roles such as working in communications or being a mechanic, which he mentioned two of his fellow soldiers were. 

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Fontanoza, a virtual recruiter, shared a similar perspective. She explained that she joined the Army at age 26, with many “myths” filling her head. However, she explained how her experience proved these assumptions to be wrong. She described visiting schools as a meaningful way to connect with students, calling it “nice to have community engagement” and an opportunity to “open other doors to confidence.” 

Overall, the Army Fitness Challenge provided students with a unique experience that combined both strength and endurance skills. Through competition, teamwork, and their interactions with soldiers, students gained a better understanding of both fitness and the opportunities that are available to them in the future.